Absorbent Article With Sensor

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure provides an absorbent article for personal hygiene. More particularly, in one embodiment, the absorbent article absorbent article includes at least one property changing indicator. A detector device is also provided that includes at least one sensor. The sensor is adapted to detect the property change of the property change indicator in the absorbent article. In one particular embodiment, for example, the property changing indicator may include an optical property indicator such as a color change indicator and the sensor may include an optical sensor such as a color sensor.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to European Application Serial No.16158532.8, filed on Mar. 3, 2016. This European application is herebyincorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure is directed to an absorbent article for personalhygiene and a system for monitoring such an absorbent article.

BACKGROUND

Absorbent articles for personal hygiene are designed to absorb andcontain bodily exudates, such as a large quantity of urine. Non-limitingexamples of disposable absorbent articles include diapers, pants,training pants, pads, adult incontinence products, and feminine hygieneproducts (including, for example, sanitary napkins and tampons). Otherexamples of disposable absorbent articles include bandages and wounddressings. In some embodiments, for example, an absorbent articlecomprises several layers providing different functions, for example atopsheet, a backsheet and in-between an absorbent core, among otherlayers.

The function of the absorbent core is to absorb and retain the exudatesfor a prolonged amount of time, for example overnight for a diaper,minimize re-wet to keep the wearer dry and avoid soiling of clothes orbed sheets. The majority of currently marketed absorbent articlescomprise as absorbent material a blend of comminuted wood pulp withsuperabsorbent polymers (SAP) in particulate form, also called absorbentgelling materials (AGM), see for example U.S. Pat. No. 5,151,092(Buell). Absorbent articles having a core consisting essentially of SAPas absorbent material (so called “airfelt-free” cores) have also beenproposed but are less common than traditional mixed cores (see e.g.WO2008/155699 (Hundorf), WO95/11652 (Tenzer), WO2012/052172 (VanMalderen)).

U.S. Pat. No. 8,111,165 B2 discloses a sensor to sense a condition suchas pressure from body weight or moisture from incontinence. The sensorcomprises a signal processing unit, a transmitter and a power supply,typically in form of a battery. These elements are arranged on aflexible substrate in low profile enabling disposition adjacent to thehuman body. Moreover, a transmitter antenna is to be provided on thesubstrate.

While this device allows monitoring conditions of the human body and canalso be used as a moisture sensor, it represents also relatively costlysolution. It would not be seen appropriate to dispose of the sensortogether with a (disposable) absorbent article. If the sensor, however,is to be reused, the sensing area has potentially been exposed tomoisture. Therefore this concept does not allow for simple usage.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a system for monitoring an absorbent article designedto absorb and contain one or more bodily exudates is provided. In thisembodiment, the system includes an absorbent article and a detectordevice. The absorbent article comprises at least one property changingindicator. The property changing indicator is adapted to change at leastone physical, chemical or biological property in response to thepresence or absence of bodily exudates. The absorbent article and theindicator form one integral unit. The detector device comprises a firstsensor adapted to detect the change of at least one physical, chemicalor biological property of the at least one indicator at a first locationof the absorbent article and a second sensor adapted to detect thechange of at least one physical chemical or biological property of theat least one indicator at a second location of the absorbent articlespaced from the first location. At least one of the absorbent articleand the detector device is adapted to be associated together anddisassociated from each other, wherein when the absorbent article andthe detector device are associated together the detector device isadapted to detect the change of property of the indicator.

In another embodiment, a system for monitoring an absorbent articledesigned to absorb and contain bodily exudates is provided. In thisembodiment, the system includes an absorbent article and a detectordevice. The absorbent article comprises an optical property changingindicator adapted to change at least one optical property in response tothe presence or absence of bodily exudates. The absorbent article andthe indicator form one integral unit. The optical sensor detector devicecomprises a housing, an optical sensor and a light spaced from theoptical sensor. The optical sensor is adapted to detect the change ofthe optical property of the indicator. At least one of the absorbentarticle and the detector device is adapted to be associated together anddisassociated from each other, wherein when the absorbent article andthe detector device are associated together the detector device isadapted to detect the change of optical property of the indicator.

In yet another embodiment, an absorbent article is provided. Theabsorbent article comprises a back sheet, a top sheet and an absorbentcore disposed between the back sheet and the top sheet. The absorbentarticle further comprises an optical property changing indicatordisposed within the absorbent article. The optical property indicator isadapted to change an optical property of the optical property changingindicator in response to one or more bodily exudates within theabsorbent article. The absorbent article also comprises a propertychanging indicator disposed in the absorbent article and spaced from theoptical property indicator. The property changing indicator is adaptedto change a physical, chemical or biological property of the propertychanging indicator in response to the presence or absence of one or morebodily exudates.

In still another embodiment, a detector device is provided. The detectordevice comprises a housing, a light, an optical sensor spaced from thelight, a communication module and at least one battery adapted toprovide power to the light and optical sensor. The optical sensor isadapted to detect a change in at least one of optical property of anabsorbent article.

In another embodiment, an absorbent article is provided. The absorbentarticle comprises a back sheet, a top sheet and an absorbent coredisposed between the back sheet and top sheet. The absorbent articlefurther comprises an optical property changing indicator disposed withinthe absorbent article. The optical property changing indicator isadapted to change an optical property of the optical property changingindicator in response to one or more bodily exudates within theabsorbent article. The absorbent article also comprises a propertychanging indicator disposed in the absorbent article and spaced from theoptical property indicator. The property changing indicator is adaptedto change a physical, chemical or biological property of the propertychanging indicator in response to the presence or absence of one or morebodily exudates.

In yet another embodiment, a method of monitoring an absorbent articleis provided. The method comprises detecting an absence or presence of abodily exudate in an absorbent article. The method also comprisesaltering at least one physical, chemical or biological property of anindicator in the diaper in response to a detection of the absence orpresence of the bodily exudate in the absorbent article. The methodfurther detects the change in the at least one physical, chemical orbiological property of the indicator via a detector device comprising aspaced sensor and light pair.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of an absorbent article according to an embodimentof the present invention in the form of a diaper with some layerspartially removed;

FIG. 2 is a transversal cross-section of the embodiment of FIG. 1 at thecrotch area;

FIG. 3 is a corresponding transversal cross-section of anotherembodiment of an absorbent article;

FIG. 4 is a further corresponding transversal cross-section of anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a partial schematic view of an example embodiment of areusable detector device that may be removably attached externally to adiaper, such as shown in FIG. 4

FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of an example implementation of a detectordevice adapted for removably coupling with one or more diapers.

FIG. 7 shows top, bottom and side views of an example embodiment of anexterior of a detector device, such as the one shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 shows an example embodiment an attachment zone of a diaperexterior adapted for receiving a detector device, such as the detectordevice shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

FIG. 9 shows a flow diagram of example operations that may be used todetect one or more bodily exudates within a diaper

FIG. 10 shows example embodiments of spaced optical sensor and lightelement 604 pairs of example embodiments of one or more detectordevices.

FIG. 11 shows another example embodiment of a detector device. In thisembodiment, for example, an optical sensor and a light element arespaced from each other.

FIG. 12 shows another example embodiment of a detector device comprisinga plurality of spaced optical sensor and light pairs.

FIG. 13 shows yet another example embodiment of a detector devicecomprising a plurality of spaced optical sensor and light pairs.

FIG. 14 shows still another example embodiment of a detector devisecomprising a plurality of spaced optical sensor and light pairs.

FIG. 15 shows an example embodiment of an absorbent article including adetector device coupled to the absorbent article.

FIG. 16 shows another example embodiment of an absorbent articleincluding a plurality of property changing indicators disposed withinthe absorbent article.

FIG. 17 shows yet another example embodiment of an absorbent articleincluding a plurality of property changing indicators disposed withinthe absorbent article.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Introduction

As used herein, the term “absorbent article” refers to disposabledevices such as infant or adult diapers or pads, pants, training pants,and the like which are placed against or in proximity to the body of thewearer to absorb and contain the various exudates discharged from thebody. Typically these articles comprise a topsheet, backsheet, anabsorbent core and optionally an acquisition system (which may becomprised of one or several layers) and typically other components, withthe absorbent core normally placed between the backsheet and theacquisition system or topsheet.

The absorbent articles of the invention will be further illustrated inthe below description and in the Figures in the form of a taped diaper.Nothing in this description should be however considered limiting thescope of the claims unless explicitly indicated otherwise. Unlessindicated otherwise, the description refers to the dry article, i.e.before use and conditioned at least 24 hours at 21° C.+/−2° C. and50+/−20% Relative Humidity (RH).

A “nonwoven web” as used herein means a manufactured sheet, web or battof directionally or randomly orientated fibers, bonded by friction,and/or cohesion and/or adhesion, excluding paper and products which arewoven, knitted, tufted, stitch-bonded incorporating binding yarns orfilaments, or felted by wet-milling, whether or not additionallyneedled. The fibers may be of natural or man-made origin and may bestaple or continuous filaments or be formed in situ. Commerciallyavailable fibers have diameters ranging from less than about 0.001 mm tomore than about 0.2 mm and they come in several different forms such asshort fibers (known as staple, or chopped), continuous single fibers(filaments or monofilaments), untwisted bundles of continuous filaments(tow), and twisted bundles of continuous filaments (yarn). Nonwoven webscan be formed by many processes such as meltblowing, spunbonding,solvent spinning, electrospinning, carding and airlaying. The basisweight of nonwoven webs is usually expressed in grams per square meter(g/m² or gsm).

The terms “joined” or “bonded” or “attached”, as used herein,encompasses configurations whereby an element is directly secured toanother element by affixing the element directly to the other element,and configurations whereby an element is indirectly secured to anotherelement by affixing the element to intermediate member(s) which in turnare affixed to the other element. The terms further include embodimentsin which a pocket or other connector is formed in or attached to an areaof the absorbent article. Further, these terms include configurations inwhich the elements are removably, or non-removably, joined, bonded, orattached. For example, wherein an element is described as “joined”within the configuration, it may be either removably joined ornon-removably joined unless otherwise specified or evident from thecontext.

The terms “comprise,” “comprising,” and “comprises” are open endedterms, each specifies the presence of what follows, e.g., a component,but does not preclude the presence of other features, e.g., elements,steps, components known in the art, or disclosed herein. These termsbased on the verb “comprise” should be read as encompassing the narrowerterms “consisting of” which excludes any element, step, or ingredientnot specified and “consisting essentially of” which limits the scope ofan element to the specified materials or steps and those that do notmaterially affect the way the element performs its function. Anypreferred or exemplary embodiments described below are not limiting thescope of the claims, unless specifically indicated to do so. The words“typically”, “normally”, “advantageously” and the likes also qualifyelements which are not intended to limit the scope of the claims unlessspecifically indicated to do so.

General Description of the Absorbent Article

The absorbent article comprises one or more indicator(s) adapted toindicate the presence and/or absence of bodily exudates. The indicator,in some embodiments, for example, may comprise an indicator that reactsto the presence and/or absence of bodily exudate(s) and/or one or moreproperties of those bodily exudate(s) within the absorbent article viaone or more change in property of the indicator (e.g., a physical,chemical or biological property such as color, smell, sound, pH, or thelike). One or more property or state of the indicator, in turn, may bedetected by a detector device physically and/or communicatively coupledto the absorbent article. In one particular implementation, for example,the indicator comprises an optical property changing composition ordevice (e.g., a color-changing composition or device, such as a colorchanging indicator) that changes an optical property (e.g., color) inresponse to a variation of pH associated with the presence and/orabsence of bodily exudates within the absorbent article). The indicatormight also comprise one or more additional indicators of the same ordifferent type that provide different types of indications and/orindications of bodily exudates (or properties of bodily exudates)detected in one or more different regions of the absorbent article. Inone embodiment, for example, a second electrical indicator may comprisea resistance, capacitance, inductance or continuity sensitive indicator.A resistance sensitive indicator can be provided, for example, byproviding two electrical conductors disposed at a given spatial distancerelative to each other. If bodily exudates, which typically comprise aliquid portion, come in contact with the two electrical conductors, theresistance between the two electrical conductors is reduced. Otherindicators, as known in the field in the context for sensor forabsorbent articles, can also be useful. In one particular embodiment,for example, the multiple property changing indicators may be providedin the same or different locations within the absorbent article. Forexample, an optical property changing indicator (e.g., color changingindicator) may be disposed in a first location of an absorbent articleand a second property changing indicator that is the same or a differenttype of indicator (e.g., another optical property changing indicatorsuch as a color changing indicator) may be disposed in a second locationof the absorbent article.

The absorbent article and the one or more indicators are provided toform an integral unit. For forming the integral unit, the indicator(s)can be directly or indirectly attached to the absorbent article. Director indirect attachment to the article is typically to one or moredistinguishable element of the article. For example, it can be useful toattach the indicator(s) to the back sheet of the article, such that theindicator(s) and the back sheet of the article from one integral unit.For example if the indicator(s) are provided in sheet form, therespective sheet can be adhesively attached to the back sheet of thearticle. The respective sheet could also be provided from one and thesame material with the back sheet, this material however being treatedin suitable ways as to provide an indicator in a pre-defined area.

According to one particular embodiment, a detector device is alsoprovided. The detector device, in this implementation, comprises ahousing and is adapted to be physically coupled to the absorbent articlesuch that the detector device is further communicatively coupled to oneor more indicator integral with the absorbent article. The detectordevice and/or the absorbent article may comprise one or more connectorfor removably joining the detector device with the absorbent article.The connector(s) are provided such that the detector device can beattached to the absorbent article and can be detached from the absorbentarticle including the one or more indicator(s). The detector device canbe attached to the integral unit and can be detached from the integralunit. In one particular embodiment, for example, the detector device canbe attached to an area of the absorbent article juxtaposed the indicatorintegral to the absorbent article, and can be detached from that area ofthe absorbent article.

The housing of the detector device, in one embodiment, has an outerextension in a first direction and an outer extension in a seconddirection, which is perpendicular to the first direction. The firstdirection, in this embodiment, may be chosen as characteristicdirections, e.g. along a main axis and normally as that of largestextension of the housing. For safety and convenient handling of thedevice, it may be useful that the device has a length in the firstdirection of at least 1 cm, 2 cm, 3 cm, 4 cm or more (but normally lessthan 15 cm) and that the device has a length in the second direction ofat least 1 cm, 2 cm, 3 cm or more (but normally less than 15 cm). In oneparticular embodiment, for example, the housing has a first dimension ofat least about one inch and a second dimension of at least about twoinches. In various embodiments, the housing can be rigid or at leastpartially or fully flexible. To be flexible the detector device canincorporate flexible electronic components (and boards).

According to one embodiment, the detector device comprises one or moreoptical sensor, such as a color sensor. This optical sensor can generatean output which depends on an optical property (e.g., a color) observedby the optical sensor. Some examples of optical sensors across a rangeof wavelengths are: electron tube detectors, photosensors,photomultiplier tubes, phototubes, photodetectors, opto-semiconductordetectors, photodiodes, photomultipliers, image sensors, infrareddetectors, thermal sensors, illuminance sensors, visible light sensorsand color sensors. In one particular embodiment, for example, theoptical sensor may comprise a photodiode such as a TCS 34725 colorsensor commercially available from AMS-TAOS USA Inc.

In other embodiments, for example, the detector device need not includea light source, such as where sufficient ambient light may be providedin an application, where light is provided elsewhere (e.g., associatedwith an absorbent article or clothing, or elsewhere in an environment)or where the property change of a property changing indicator may bedetectable without light.

Often, the detector device will also comprise one or more light, such asa light emitting diode (LED), organic light emitting diode (OLED), anincandescent light bulb, thermionic light emission, luminescence (e.g.,among others, fluorescence, chemilluminescence, electroluminescence(e.g., LED), for emitting light onto an area, the wavelength or spectrumof which is to be assessed by the optical sensor. The optical sensor insome color detecting embodiments can be optimized for assessing a colorof a color-changing indicator. The optical sensor can be sensitive tovisible and non-visible light, namely light in the near IR range. Invarious embodiments, UV, visible infrared and near infrared wavelengthsmay be used. A color changing indicator can change its color, forexample, based on the presence and/or absence of bodily exudates and/orin response to some other condition being monitored with respect to theabsorbent article. In this embodiment, the color sensor can provide anoutput that varies depending on the presence or absence of bodilyexudates.

In various embodiments, essentially any known color-changing indicatorthat responds to the absence or presence of bodily exudates or otherconditions to be monitored with respect to the absorbent article can beuseful. It may be useful to employ a color-changing indicator whichcomprises a chemical substance. Such a chemical substance can induce acolor change when bodily exudates are present. One useful form of acolor-changing indicator comprises a pH-sensitive indicator. Bodilyexudates, for example, may influence the pH-value in their environment.Similarly, components within an absorbent article may alter a pH of theenvironment in response to contact with one or more bodily exudates. Inone particular embodiment, for example, as AGM swells in the presence ofurine or other liquids present in a bodily exudate, the AGM swellingchanges the pH of the environment within the absorbent article. Thus, inthis and other embodiments, a pH-sensitive indicator can be used anddetected by the detector device.

Other useful indicators can comprise biological or physical sensormaterials. The skilled person is aware of numerous useful biologicalsensor materials. Physical sensors can be provided by a material, whichchanges its color when the material is stretched. Stretching of amaterial can be induced by the swelling of the absorbent core.Biological sensors may include a bioreceptor that interacts with ananalyte of interest, such as trypsin or urease. A bioreceptor, forexample, may use reagent/analyte interactions that provide a propertychange (e.g., a color or other optical change) in the absorbent articleupon detection of a particular analyte of interest. In one particularembodiment, for example, a bioreceptor may use an immobilised bindingreagent also capable of binding to an analyte of interest. Theimmobilized reagent for example, may be disposed at a detection zonedetectable by a sensor of a detector device.

Additionally the indicator can comprise a material selected from thegroup comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of:thermochromic inks, thermochromic dyes, thermochromic liquid crystallinematerials, and combinations thereof. These indicators can, for example,serve to monitor other conditions associated with the absorbent articleand/or wearer of the absorbent article, such as body temperature orfever indication.

The present embodiments can usefully employ one or more connectors whichallow for detachment and can also allow for refastening of an indicationdevice to the absorbent article. Such connectors may comprise one ormore adhesives or cohesives. Such connectors may further comprise one ormore mechanical fasteners, including strap based fasteners or fastenerscomprising at least one button or at least one magnet. Among the groupof mechanical fasteners, a hook-end-loop fastener is useful. It can beuseful to attach the hook-portion to the absorbent article or to attachthe loop-portion to the absorbent article. The corresponding portion canthen be attached to the detector device.

In one useful embodiment, the loop portion of a hook-and-loop-fastenercan be provided integral with the absorbent article. For example, if theouter side of the backsheet of the absorbent article is provided from atextile material, e.g. a non-woven material, loops provided in such amaterial can interact with the hooks of a hook-portion of a fastener.

There are also alternative forms of mechanical fasteners (to be used asconnectors), which can be used additionally or alternatively. Forexample, a pocket can be formed in an area of the absorbent article. Forexample, such a pocket can be formed between layers of the backsheet. Apocket can also be formed between other layers. For example, diapers canbe provided as pant-diapers comprising a crotch-portion and abelt-portion. The crotch-portion and the belt-portion can be joinedadhesively or mechanically, e.g. by crimping. In the area of adhesivejoining, a certain portion can be free of adhesive and accessible fromthe outside. This portion can than serve as a pocket for receiving thedetector device. A belt, strap or other device may be used to place andhold the detector device relative to the absorbent article. The detectordevice may similarly be joined or held to an article of clothing worn bythe user wearing the absorbent article.

The detector device provides information which in one aspect willindicate the presence and/or absence of bodily exudates. Such a detectordevice can comprise a variety of output and/or display elements. Asimple output element can comprise LED, OLED or similar lamps. Forexample a green light can be used as an indication for the absence ofbodily exudates or presence only a low amount of bodily exudates whereasa red light can indicate the presence of a higher amount of bodilyexudates and therefore will normally indicate the need to change theabsorbent article. Information can be provided in more comprehensiveforms and therefore a display element, for example in the form of asmall monitor can be useful. Information to be displayed on such amonitor or similar display element could include information about theloading status of the absorbent article, the time at which a freshabsorbent article has been applied and so forth.

The output element or display element can be provided within the housingor attached to the detector device. The output element, for example, mayinclude a visual output device (e.g., display, LED or the like), anaudible output device (e.g., a speaker), a tactile output device and/orthe like.

The output or display element can also be provided in a separate unit.Such a separate unit can also have other functions. It can be useful toemploy a mobile phone with a display or another personal digitalassistant for use as a display element in the present context. Thedisplay element can also be a computer (including a laptop computer or atablet computer). Information obtained from the detector device can alsobe displayed on several such units at the same time. This can bedisplayed there in the same format or in similar formats. For example amore detailed display of information on a computer can be combined withsimplified display of information on a mobile phone. Additionally oralternatively the output element can also comprise acoustic indicationdevice and can also rely on a computer generated voice. In some casesalso, the information is not or not only displayed or provided, butdirected to a data storage device for data aggregation.

In one particular implementation, the separate unit may include anydisplay or output device in the area surrounding the detector device(e.g., within a house, apartment or the like). The separate unit mayfurther include a plurality of input/output nodes that may becommunicatively coupled to the detector, such as an Amazon® Echo® devicethat may provide visual and/or audio outputs (e.g., “diaper needschanging”).

For providing information to the separate unit the detector device canbroadcast or otherwise send information to the unit comprising thedisplay element. The skilled person is aware of useful standards forproviding such broadcasting, for example Bluetooth, BTLE, mesh (e.g.,IEEE 802.15.4), WiFi (e.g., IEEE 802.15.11), communication incorporatingall or any portion of IEEE 802 or similar communication standards, RFID,3G or 4G communication, Backscatter communication, light communication,audio/sound communication, harvesting protocol communication (e.g., ametadata harvesting protocol). Other communications protocols orcombinations of communications protocols (e.g., a Bluetooth/Meshcombined protocol) can be employed. Additionally or alternatively anacoustic or optical broadcasting is useful.

In a further embodiment, a kit comprising a multitude of absorbentarticles and a detector device, which comprises a housing and aconnector, such that the detector device can be connected to any one ofthe absorbent articles is also provided. The absorbent articles and thedetector device may each comprise any of the further features describedherein. Hence, the detector device can be used on a first absorbentarticle of the multitude, the absorbent article can be disposed of afteruse, and the detector device can be re-used on another (fresh) absorbentarticle.

An exemplary absorbent article according to one embodiment in the formof an infant diaper 10 is represented in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of the exemplary diaper 10, in a flattened state,with portions of the structure being cut-away to more clearly show theconstruction of the diaper 10. This diaper 10 is shown for illustrationpurpose only as many embodiments may use a wide variety of diapers orother absorbent articles. The diaper extends from a front edge 12 to alongitudinally opposed rear edge 14. It comprises left side edge 16 andtransversally opposed right side edge 18. The diaper 10 comprises anabsorbent core which is positioned between topsheet 22, which is atleast partially liquid permeable and backsheet 24, which is essentiallyimpermeable to liquid.

In FIG. 1 “X” denotes a transversal access through the geometricalcenter of the diaper, and axis “Y” denotes the longitudinal direction.The area A denotes the front area of the diaper as seen in thelongitudinal direction and C denotes the rear area of the diaper as seenin the longitudinal direction, and B denotes the central area or crotcharea positioned between area A and area B, in the longitudinaldirection. L denotes the length of the diaper from the front edge 12 torear edge 14 as measured in the longitudinal direction.

The article comprises a crotch point P defined herein as the pointplaced on the longitudinal axis at a distance of two fifth (⅖) of Lstarting from the front edge 12 of the diaper 10.

The absorbent article comprises an indication means 60, which can takethe form of a small sheet of material or patch. As shown, a rectangularform is useful. The indication means 60 can be arranged in the frontarea A, the central area B or the rear area C of the diaper. It is oftenuseful to range the indication means 60 in the central area B or in thefront area A. As shown, it can be useful to provide the indication means60 towards the front of the crotch point P.

The diaper 10 further comprises gasketing cuffs 26 for maintaining atight fit of the diaper 10 to the wearer, when the diaper 10 is worn.The gasketing cuffs 26 comprise elastics 28 for maintaining the tightfit, which helps to avoid leakage.

The diaper 10 further comprises barrier leg cuffs 30 on each side of thediaper. Barrier leg cuffs comprise proximal edges 32 a and 32 b, whichare adjacent to topsheet 22. Opposed to the respective proximal edges,the barrier leg cuffs 30 comprise distal edges 34 a and 34 b,respectively. In the area of the distal edges 34, further elastics 36 aprovided, while a portion of the distal edges 34 of the barrier legcuffs 30 can be attached to components of the diaper 10, such as thetopsheet 22, it is preferred that the barrier leg cuffs 30 also compriseunattached areas of the distal edges, herein referred to as free flaps38. The respective free flaps 38 are typically provided in the centralzone of the diaper 10.

The diaper 10 further comprises the fastening system, for fastening thediaper to the body of a wearer. This fastening system comprises two backears 40, which comprise adhesive tapes 42. The adhesive tapes 42 can beattached to landing zone 44. In the front area, the diaper comprisesfront ears 46. As described below, for other embodiments other fasteningsystems can be useful, including mechanical fasteners and includingfastening systems comprising more than two, for example for IS.

The core can optionally comprise areas, where there is a reduced amountof absorbent material or no absorbent material. These areas are referredto as channels.

FIG. 2 is transversal cross-section of the embodiment of FIG. 1 andreadily shows other structural elements of the diaper. As shown in thisfigure, the diaper comprises an acquisition-distribution system 50. Thisacquisition-distribution system comprises acquisition layer 52, whichfirst receives liquid, and distribution layer 54 underneath acquisitionlayer 52.

The absorbent core 20 comprises a core layer 56. This core layer cancomprise particular material, such as super absorbent particles, hereinalso referred to SAP. Between the core layer 56 and the backsheet 24 theindication means 60 can be arranged. As shown in FIG. 2 the backsheet 24can comprise and inner backsheet layer 62 (which is oriented towards thecore 20) and an outer backsheet layer 64, which is generally orientedtowards the garments of a wearer. As shown in FIG. 2, in accordance withthis particular embodiment, the indicator 60 can be provided above theinner backsheet layer and below the core wrap, more precisely, below theportion of the core wrap 66 which is oriented towards the backsheet 24.

FIG. 3 shows another example embodiment of an absorbent article. Thisembodiment resembles that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. However, the indicator60 is arranged here between the inner backsheet layer 62 and the outerbacksheet layer 64.

FIG. 4 shows another example embodiment of an absorbent article. For theembodiment shown in FIG. 2 the absorbent article is shown together withdetector device 70. As shown, detector device 70 can take the form of asmall pod which can have generally rectangular cross sections. Thedetector device 70 can be attached to the backsheet 24 of the diaper 10by a mechanical fastener 68. In one embodiment, for example, themechanical fastener comprises a first component and a second component.The first component can be attached to backsheet 24 and the secondcomponent can be attached to detector device 70. The two componentsinteract with each other, for example hook and loop fasteners can beused. The respective component can be adhesively joined to the backsheetand to the detector device 70, respectively.

The article may also comprise elasticized gasketing cuffs 26 joined tothe chassis of the absorbent article, typically via the topsheet and/orbacksheet, and substantially planar with the chassis of the diaper.

The Figures also show typical taped diaper components such as afastening system comprising adhesive tabs 42 attached towards the backedge of the article and cooperating with a landing zone 44 on the frontof the article. The absorbent article may also comprise other typicalelements, which are not represented, such as a back elastic waistfeature, a front elastic waist feature, transverse barrier cuff(s), alotion application, etc.

The topsheet 22, the backsheet 24, the absorbent core 20 and the otherarticle components may be assembled in a variety of well knownconfigurations, in particular by gluing or heat embossing. Exemplarydiaper configurations are described generally in U.S. Pat. No.3,860,003, U.S. Pat. No. 5,221,274, U.S. Pat. No. 5,554,145, U.S. Pat.No. 5,569,234, U.S. Pat. No. 5,580,411, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,004,306. Theabsorbent article is preferably thin. The caliper at the crotch point Pof the article may be for example from 4.0 mm to 12.0 mm, in particularfrom 6.0 mm to 10.0 mm, as measured with a suitable caliper test, forexample the Absorbent Article Caliper Test disclosed in EP 2 740 450 A1(Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company).

These and other components of the articles will now be discussed in moredetails.

Topsheet 22

The topsheet 22 is the part of the absorbent article that is directly incontact with the wearer's skin. The topsheet 22 can be joined to thebacksheet 24, the core 20 and/or any other layers as is known in theart. Usually, the topsheet 22 and the backsheet 24 are joined directlyto each other in some locations (e.g. on or close to the periphery ofthe article) and are indirectly joined together in other locations bydirectly joining them to one or more other elements of the diaper 10.

The topsheet 22 is preferably compliant, soft-feeling, andnon-irritating to the wearer's skin. Further, at least a portion of thetopsheet 22 is liquid permeable, permitting liquids to readily penetratethrough its thickness. A suitable topsheet may be manufactured from awide range of materials, such as porous foams, reticulated foams,apertured plastic films, or woven or nonwoven materials of naturalfibers (e.g., wood or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers or filaments(e.g., polyester or polypropylene or bicomponent PE/PP fibers ormixtures thereof), or combinations thereof, e.g. a combination ofnatural and synthetic fibers. A combination of materials can be achievedby combining at least two materials by means of needle punching,ultra-sonic bonding, ring rolling, embossing, gluing or other types ofmechanical entanglement. The resulting material may maintain adual/multiple layer structure, but may also loose a structure ofdistinguishable layers after such process steps. It can also be usefulto provide a formed film patch underneath the topsheet.

If the topsheet 22 includes fibers, the fibers may be spunbond, carded,wet-laid, meltblown, hydroentangled, or otherwise processed as is knownin the art, in particular spunbond PP nonwoven. A suitable topsheetcomprising a web of staple-length polypropylene fibers is manufacturedby Veratec, Inc., a Division of International Paper Company, of Walpole,Mass. under the designation P-8.

The topsheet 22 may comprise one or more apertures to ease penetrationof exudates therethrough, such as urine and/or feces (solid, semi-solid,or liquid). The size of at least the primary aperture is important inachieving the desired waste encapsulation performance. If the primaryaperture is too small, the waste may not pass through the aperture,either due to poor alignment of the waste source and the aperturelocation or due to fecal masses having a diameter greater than theaperture. If the aperture is too large, the area of skin that may becontaminated by “rewet” from the article is increased. Typically, thetotal area of the apertures at the surface of a diaper may have an areaof between about 10 mm² and about 50 mm², in particular between about 15mm² and 35 mm². Examples of apertured topsheet are disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 6,632,504, assigned to BBA NONWOVENS SIMPSONVILLE.WO2011/163582 also discloses suitable colored topsheet having a basisweight of from 12 to 18 gsm and comprising a plurality of bonded points.Each of the bonded points has a surface area of from 2 mm² to 5 mm² andthe cumulated surface area of the plurality of bonded points is from 10to 25% of the total surface area of the topsheet.

Typical diaper topsheets have a basis weight of from about 10 to about21 gsm, in particular between from about 12 to about 18 gsm but otherbasis weights are possible.

Backsheet 24

The backsheet 24 is generally that portion of the diaper 10 positionedadjacent the garment-facing surface of the absorbent core 20 and whichprevents the exudates absorbed and contained therein from soilingarticles such as bedsheets and undergarments. The backsheet 24 istypically impermeable to liquids (e.g. urine). The backsheet may forexample be or comprise a thin plastic film such as a thermoplastic filmhaving a thickness of about 0.012 mm to about 0.051 mm. Exemplarybacksheet films include those manufactured by Tredegar Corporation,based in Richmond, Va., and sold under the trade name CPC2 film. Othersuitable backsheet materials may include breathable materials whichpermit vapors to escape from the diaper 10 while still preventingexudates from passing through the backsheet 24. Exemplary breathablematerials may include materials such as woven webs, nonwoven webs,composite materials such as film-coated nonwoven webs, microporous filmssuch as manufactured by Mitsui Toatsu Co., of Japan under thedesignation ESPOIR NO and by Tredegar Corporation of Richmond, Va., andsold under the designation EXAIRE, and monolithic films such asmanufactured by Clopay Corporation, Cincinnati, Ohio under the nameHYTREL blend P18-3097. Some breathable composite materials are describedin greater detail in PCT Application No. WO 95/16746 published on Jun.22, 1995 in the name of E. I. DuPont; U.S. Pat. No. 5,938,648 to LaVonet al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,681,793 to Linman et al., U.S. Pat. No.5,865,823 to Curro; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,571,096 to Dobrin et al, U.S.Pat. No. 6,946,58562 to London Brown.

The backsheet 24 may be joined to the topsheet 22, the absorbent core 20or any other element of the diaper 10 by any attachment means known inthe art. Suitable attachment means are described above with respect tomeans for joining the topsheet 22 to other elements of the diaper 10.For example, the attachment means may include a uniform continuous layerof adhesive, a patterned layer of adhesive, or an array of separatelines, spirals, or spots of adhesive. Suitable attachment meanscomprises an open pattern network of filaments of adhesive as disclosedin U.S. Pat. No. 4,573,986. Other suitable attachment means includeseveral lines of adhesive filaments which are swirled into a spiralpattern, as is illustrated by the apparatus and methods shown in U.S.Pat. No. 3,911,173, U.S. Pat. No. 4,785,996; and U.S. Pat. No.4,842,666. Adhesives which have been found to be satisfactory aremanufactured by H. B. Fuller Company of St. Paul, Minn. and marketed asHL-1620 and HL 1358-XZP. Alternatively, the attachment means maycomprise heat bonds, pressure bonds, ultrasonic bonds, dynamicmechanical bonds, or any other suitable attachment means or combinationsof these attachment means as are known in the art.

Absorbent Core 20

As used herein, the term “absorbent core” refers to the component orcomponents of the article having the most absorbent capacity andcomprising an absorbent material and optionally a core wrap enclosingthe absorbent material. The term “absorbent core” does not include theacquisition-distribution system or layer or any other component of thearticle which is not either integral part of the core wrap or placedwithin the core wrap. The core may consist essentially of, or consistof, a core wrap, absorbent material as defined below and glue enclosedwithin the core wrap.

The absorbent core 20 of the absorbent article comprises a first corelayer 56 and a second core layer 58. As explained, the absorbent articlemight comprise and acquisition distribution system, which will typicallyconsist of one or more layers. Most typically, the layers are arrangedabove the core layer. Hence, a number of layers can be arranged betweenthe topsheet and the backsheet. The skilled person will usually have nodifficulty in distinguishing between these layers. In case of doubt, acore layer can be identified as being a layer which is generally lesspermeable than a layer forming part of theacquisition-/distribution-system.

Permeability generally refers to the quality of a porous material thatcauses it to a lower liquid or gases to pass through it. Hence, thelayers of the acquisition distribution system should generally be morepermeable than the layers of the core system as these layers are meantto distribute liquid to the absorbent core, where the liquid isultimately stored.

The absorbent core can comprise absorbent material with a varying amountof superabsorbent polymers (herein abbreviated as “SAP”), often enclosedwithin a core wrap. The SAP content can represent from 0% to 80% byweight of the absorbent material contained in the core wrap. Often anSAP content of 20% to 50% by weight of the absorbent material containedin the core wrap is useful. The core wrap is not considered as absorbentmaterial for the purpose of assessing the percentage of SAP in theabsorbent core.

By “absorbent material” it is meant a material which has some absorbencyproperty or liquid retaining properties, such as SAP, cellulosic fibersas well as synthetic fibers. Herein, absorbent materials in the form offibrous absorbent materials have been found to be useful. These fibrousabsorbent materials can comprise or consist of natural fibers, e.g.cellulosic fibers as well as synthetic fibers. Typically, glues used inmaking absorbent cores have no absorbency properties and are notconsidered as absorbent material.

The SAP content may be higher than 30%, for example at least 40%, atleast 50%, at least 80% of the weight of the absorbent materialcontained within the core wrap. The absorbent material may in particularembodiments comprise from 10 to 70, for example 30 to 60 weight percentof natural or synthetic fibers.

The absorbent core may comprise a generally planar top edge and agenerally planar bottom edge. In some embodiments, the absorbentmaterial will be advantageously distributed in higher amount towards thefront edge than towards the rear edge as more absorbency is required atthe front. In other embodiments, typically embodiments for other uses ofan absorbent article, such as care of elderly incontinent people versuscare of babies, the absorbent material will be advantageouslydistributed in higher amount towards the rear edge than towards thefront edge as more absorbency is required at the rear area.

The core wrap may be formed by two separate sheets of nonwoven materialwhich may be at least partially sealed along the edges of the absorbentcore. The core wrap may be at least partially sealed along its frontedge, back edge and two longitudinal edges so that substantially noabsorbent material leaks out of the absorbent core wrap.

The absorbent core of the absorbent article may further compriseadhesive for example to help immobilizing the SAP within the core wrapand/or to ensure integrity of the core wrap, in particular when the corewrap is made of two or more substrates. Such an adhesive can be providedin the form of fibrous thermoplastic adhesive material.

The fibrous thermoplastic adhesive material may be at least partially incontact with the superabsorbent material in the land areas and at leastpartially in contact with the substrate layer in the junction areas.This imparts an essentially three-dimensional structure to the fibrouslayer of thermoplastic adhesive material, which in itself is essentiallya two-dimensional structure of relatively small thickness, as comparedto the dimension in length and width directions. Thereby, the fibrousthermoplastic adhesive material may provide cavities to cover theabsorbent material in the land area, and thereby immobilizes thisabsorbent material.

The thermoplastic adhesive material may comprise, in its entirety, asingle thermoplastic polymer or a blend of thermoplastic polymers,having a softening point, as determined by the ASTM Method D-36-95 “Ringand Ball”, in the range between 50° C. and 300° C., and/or thethermoplastic adhesive material may be a hotmelt adhesive comprising atleast one thermoplastic polymer in combination with other thermoplasticdiluents such as tackifying resins, plasticizers and additives such asantioxidants.

Superabsorbent Polymer (SAP)

Superabsorbent material, herein also referred to as superabsorbentpolymer material, superabsorbent polymers or SAP, refers to absorbentmaterials which are cross-linked polymeric materials that can absorb atleast 10 times their weight of an aqueous 0.9% saline solution asmeasured using the Centrifuge Retention Capacity (CRC) test (EDANAmethod WSP 241.2-05E). The SAP used may in particular have a CRC valueof more than 20 g/g, or more than 24 g/g, or of from 20 to 50 g/g, orfrom 20 to 40 g/g, or 24 to 30 g/g. The SAP useful in example absorbentarticles may include a variety of water-insoluble, but water-swellablepolymers capable of absorbing large quantities of fluids.

The superabsorbent polymer can be in particulate form so as to beflowable in the dry state. Typical particulate absorbent polymermaterials are made of poly(meth)acrylic acid polymers. However, e.g.starch-based particulate absorbent polymer material may also be used, aswell polyacrylamide copolymer, ethylene maleic anhydride copolymer,cross-linked carboxymethylcellulose, polyvinyl alcohol copolymers,cross-linked polyethylene oxide, and starch grafted copolymer ofpolyacrylonitrile. The superabsorbent polymer may be polyacrylates andpolyacrylic acid polymers that are internally and/or surfacecross-linked.

The SAP useful for example embodiments of absorbent articles may be ofnumerous shapes. The term “particles” refers to granules, fibers,flakes, spheres, powders, platelets and other shapes and forms known topersons skilled in the art of superabsorbent polymer particles. In someembodiments, the SAP particles can be in the shape of fibers, i.e.elongated, acicular superabsorbent polymer particles. In thoseembodiments, the superabsorbent polymer particles fibers have a minordimension (i.e. diameter of the fiber) of less than about 1 mm, usuallyless than about 500 μm, and preferably less than 250 μm down to 50 μm.The length of the fibers is preferably about 3 mm to about 100 mm. Thefibers can also be in the form of a long filament that can be woven.

Typically, SAP are spherical-like particles. In contrast to fibers,“spherical-like particles” have a longest and a smallest dimension witha particulate ratio of longest to smallest particle dimension in therange of 1-5, where a value of 1 would equate a perfectly sphericalparticle and 5 would allow for some deviation from such a sphericalparticle. The superabsorbent polymer particles may have a particle sizeof less than 850 μm, or from 50 to 850 μm, preferably from 100 to 710μm, more preferably from 150 to 650 μm, as measured according to EDANAmethod WSP 220.2-05. SAP having a relatively low particle size help toincrease the surface area of the absorbent material which is in contactwith liquid exudates and therefore support fast absorption of liquidexudates.

The SAP may have a particle sizes in the range from 45 μm to 4000 μm,more specifically a particle size distribution within the range of from45 μm to about 2000 μm, or from about 100 μm to about 1000, 850 or 600μm. The particle size distribution of a material in particulate form canbe determined as it is known in the art, for example by means of drysieve analysis (EDANA 420.02 “Particle Size distribution).

In some embodiments herein, the superabsorbent material is in the formof particles with a mass medium particle size up to 2 mm, or between 50microns and 2 mm or to 1 mm, or preferably from 100 or 200 or 300 or 400or 500 μm, or to 1000 or to 800 or to 700 μm; as can for example bemeasured by the method set out in for example EP-A-0,691,133. In someembodiments of an absorbent article, the superabsorbent polymer materialis in the form of particles whereof at least 80% by weight are particlesof a size between 50 μm and 1200 μm and having a mass median particlesize between any of the range combinations above. In addition, or inanother embodiment of an absorbent article, the particles areessentially spherical. In yet another or additional embodiment of anabsorbent article, the superabsorbent polymer material has a relativelynarrow range of particle sizes, e.g. with the majority (e.g. at least80% or preferably at least 90% or even at least 95% by weight) ofparticles having a particle size between 50 μm and 1000 μm, preferablybetween 100 μm and 800 μm, and more preferably between 200 μm and 600μm.

The surface of the SAP may be coated, for example, with a cationicpolymer. Preferred cationic polymers can include polyamine or polyiminematerials. In some embodiments, the SAP may be coated with chitosanmaterials such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,537,832 B2. In someother embodiments, the SAP may comprise mixed-bed Ion-Exchange absorbentpolymers such as those disclosed in WO 99/34841 and WO 99/34842.

The absorbent core will typically comprise only one type of SAP, but itis not excluded that a blend of SAPs may be used. The fluid permeabilityof a superabsorbent polymer can be quantified using its UrinePermeability Measurement (UPM) value, as measured in the test disclosedEuropean patent application number EP12174117.7. The UPM of the SAP mayfor example be of at least 10×10⁻⁷ cm³·sec/g, or at least 30×10⁻⁷cm³·sec/g, or at least 50×10⁻⁷ cm³·sec/g, or more, e.g. at least 80 or100×10⁻⁷ cm³·sec/g. The flow characteristics can also be adjusted byvarying the quantity and distribution of the SAP used in the secondabsorbent layer.

For most absorbent articles, the liquid discharge occurs predominatelyin the front half of the article, in particular for diaper. The fronthalf of the article (as defined by the region between the front edge anda transversal line placed at a distance of half L from the front or backedge may therefore comprise most of the absorbent capacity of the core.Thus, at least 60% of the SAP, or at least 65%, 70%, 75% or 80% of theSAP may be present in the front half of the absorbent article, theremaining SAP being disposed in the back half of the absorbent article.

The total amount of SAP present in the absorbent core may also varyaccording to expected usage. Diapers for newborns may require less SAPthan infant or adult incontinence diapers. The amount of SAP in the coremay be for example comprised from about 2 to 60 g, in particular from 5to 50 g or 10 to 40 g. The average SAP basis weight within the (or “atleast one”, if several are present) deposition area of the SAP may befor example of at least 50, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 or more g/m². Theareas of the channels present in the absorbent material deposition area,if any, are deduced from the absorbent material deposition area tocalculate this average basis weight.

Core Wrap 66

The optional core wrap may be made of a single substrate folded aroundthe absorbent material, or may advantageously comprise two (or more)substrates which are attached to another. Typical attachments are theso-called C-wrap and/or sandwich wrap. In a C-wrap, as exemplarily shownin FIG. 2, the longitudinal and/or transversal edges of one of thesubstrate are folded over the other substrate to form flaps. These flapsare then bonded to the external surface of the other substrate,typically by gluing.

If the core wrap comprises a first substrate 66 a and a second substrate66 b these may be made of the same type of material, or may be made ofdifferent materials or one of the substrate may be treated differentlythan the other to provide it with different properties. As the polymersused for nonwoven production are inherently hydrophobic, they arepreferably coated with hydrophilic coatings if placed on the fluidreceiving side of the absorbent core. It is advantageous that the topside of the core wrap, i.e. the side placed closer to the wearer in theabsorbent article, be more hydrophilic than the bottom side of the corewrap. A possible way to produce nonwovens with durably hydrophiliccoatings is via applying a hydrophilic monomer and a radicalpolymerization initiator onto the nonwoven, and conducting apolymerization activated via UV light resulting in monomer chemicallybound to the surface of the nonwoven. An alternative possible way toproduce nonwovens with durably hydrophilic coatings is to coat thenonwoven with hydrophilic nanoparticles, e.g. as described in WO02/064877.

Barrier Leg Cuffs 30

The absorbent article comprises a pair of barrier leg cuffs 30. Thebarrier leg cuffs can be formed from a piece of material, typically anonwoven, which is partially bonded to the rest of the article so that aportion of the material, the barrier leg cuffs, can be partially raisedaway and stand up from the plane defined by the topsheet when thearticle is pulled flat as shown e.g. in FIG. 1. The barrier leg cuffscan provide improved containment of liquids and other bodily exudatesapproximately at the junction of the torso and legs of the wearer. Thebarrier leg cuffs extend at least partially between the front edge andthe back edge of the diaper on opposite sides of the longitudinal axisand are at least present at the level of the crotch point (P). Thebarrier leg cuffs are delimited by a proximal edge 32 joined to the restof the article, typically the topsheet and/or the backsheet, and a freeterminal edge 66, which is intended to contact and form a seal with thewearer's skin. The barrier leg cuffs are joined at the proximal edge 32with the chassis of the article by a bond 33 which may be made forexample by gluing, fusion bonding or combination of known bonding means.The bond 33 at the proximal edge 32 may be continuous or intermittent.The side of the bond 33 closest to the raised section of the leg cuffsdelimits the proximal edge 32 of the standing up section of the legcuffs. The distance between the inner sides of these bond 33 define thedry and wet width of the article at this level for the purpose of RCWRtest (see below).

The barrier leg cuffs can be integral with the topsheet or thebacksheet, or more typically be formed from a separate material joinedto the rest of the article. Typically the material of the barrier legcuffs may extend through the whole length of the diapers but is “tackbonded” to the topsheet towards the front edge and back edge of thearticle so that in these sections the barrier leg cuff material remainsflush with the topsheet. Each barrier leg cuff 30 may comprise one, twoor more elastic 36 close to this free distal edge 34 to provide a betterseal.

In addition to the barrier leg cuffs 30, the article may comprisegasketing cuffs 26, which are joined to the chassis of the absorbent,article, in particular the topsheet and/or the backsheet and are placedtransversely outwardly relative to the barrier leg cuffs. The gasketingcuffs can provide a better seal around the thighs of the wearer. Usuallyeach gasketing leg cuff will comprise one or more elastic string orelastic element comprised in the chassis of the diaper for examplebetween the topsheet and backsheet in the area of the leg openings.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,860,003 describes a disposable diaper which provides acontractible leg opening having a side flap and one or more elasticmembers to provide an elasticized leg cuff (a gasketing cuff). U.S. Pat.No. 4,808,178 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,909,803 issued to Aziz et al. describedisposable diapers having “stand-up” elasticized flaps (barrier legcuffs) which improve the containment of the leg regions. U.S. Pat. No.4,695,278 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,795,454 issued to Lawson and to Dragoorespectively, describe disposable diapers having dual cuffs, includinggasketing cuffs and barrier leg cuffs. All or a portion of the barrierleg and/or gasketing cuffs may be treated with a lotion.

Acquisition-Distribution System 50

Embodiments of the absorbent articles may comprise anacquisition-distribution layer or system 50 (herein “ADS”). The functionof the ADS is to quickly acquire the fluid and distribute it to theabsorbent core in an efficient manner. The ADS may comprise one, two ormore layers, which may form a unitary layer or remain discrete layerswhich may be attached to each other. In the examples below, the ADScomprises two layers: a distribution layer 54 and an acquisition layer52 disposed between the absorbent core and the topsheet, but embodimentsof absorbent articles are not restricted to this example.

Typically, the ADS will not comprise SAP as this may slow theacquisition and distribution of the fluid. The prior art discloses manytype of acquisition-distribution system, see for example WO2000/59430(Daley), WO95/10996 (Richards), U.S. Pat. No. 5,700,254 (McDowall),WO02/067809 (Graef). The ADS may comprise, although not necessarily, twolayers: a distribution layer and an acquisition layer, which will now beexemplified in more details.

Distribution Layer 54

The distribution layer may for example comprise at least 50% by weightof cross-linked cellulose fibers. The cross-linked cellulosic fibers maybe crimped, twisted, or curled, or a combination thereof includingcrimped, twisted, and curled. This type of material has been used in thepast in disposable diapers as part of an acquisition system, for exampleUS 2008/0312622 A1 (Hundorf). The cross-linked cellulosic fibers providehigher resilience and therefore higher resistance to the first absorbentlayer against the compression in the product packaging or in useconditions, e.g. under baby weight. This provides the core with a highervoid volume, permeability and liquid absorption, and hence reducedleakage and improved dryness.

The distribution layer comprising cross-linked cellulose fibers of theabsorbent article may comprise other fibers, but this layer mayadvantageously comprise at least 50%, or 60%, or 70%, or 80%, or 90% oreven up to 100%, by weight of the layer, of cross-linked cellulosefibers (including the cross-linking agents). Examples of such mixedlayer of cross-linked cellulose fibers may comprise about 70% by weightof chemically cross-linked cellulose fibers, about 10% by weightpolyester (PET) fibers, and about 20% by weight untreated pulp fibers.In another example, the layer of cross-linked cellulose fibers maycomprise about 70% by weight chemically cross-linked cellulose fibers,about 20% by weight lyocell fibers, and about 10% by weight PET fibers.In another example, the layer may comprise about 68% by weightchemically cross-linked cellulose fibers, about 16% by weight untreatedpulp fibers, and about 16% by weight PET fibers. In another example, thelayer of cross-linked cellulose fibers may comprise from about 90-100%by weight chemically cross-linked cellulose fibers.

The distribution layer 54 may be a material having a water retentionvalue of from 25 to 60, preferably from 30 to 45, measured as indicatedin the procedure disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,137,537.

The distribution layer may typically have an average basis weight offrom 30 to 400 g/m², in particular from 100 to 300 g/m². The density ofthe distribution layer may vary depending on the compression of thearticle, but may be of between 0.03 to 0.15 g/cm³, in particular 0.08 to0.10 g/cm³ measured at 0.30 psi (2.07 kPa).

Acquisition Layer 52

The ADS may comprise an acquisition layer 52. The acquisition layer maybe disposed between the distribution layer 54 and topsheet 22. Theacquisition layer 52 may typically be or comprise a non-woven material,for example a SMS or SMMS material, comprising a spunbonded, amelt-blown and a further spunbonded layer or alternatively a cardedchemical-bonded nonwoven. The non-woven material may in particular belatex bonded. Exemplary upper acquisition layers 52 are disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 7,786,341. Carded, resin-bonded nonwovens may be used, inparticular where the fibers used are solid round or round hollow PETstaple fibers (50/50 or 40/60 mix of 6 denier and 9 denier fibers). Anexemplary binder is a butadiene/styrene latex. Non-wovens have theadvantage that they can be manufactured outside the converting line andstored and used as a roll of material.

Further useful non-wovens are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,645,569 toCramer et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,863,933 to Cramer et al., U.S. Pat. No.7,112,621 to Rohrbaugh et al., and co patent applications US 2003/148684to Cramer et al. and US 2005/008839 to Cramer et al.

The acquisition layer 52 may be stabilized by a latex binder, forexample a styrene-butadiene latex binder (SB latex). Processes forobtaining such lattices are known, for example, from EP 149 880 (Kwok)and US 2003/0105190 (Diehl et al.). In certain embodiments, the bindermay be present in the acquisition layer 52 in excess of about 12%, about14% or about 16% by weight. SB latex is available under the trade nameGENFLO™ 3160 (OMNOVA Solutions Inc.; Akron, Ohio).

A further acquisition layer may be used in addition to a firstacquisition layer described above. For example a tissue layer may beplaced between the first acquisition layer and the distribution layer.The tissue may have enhanced capillarity distribution propertiescompared to the acquisition layer described above. The tissue and thefirst acquisition layer may be of the same size or may be of differentsize, for example the tissue layer may extend further in the back of theabsorbent article than the first acquisition layer. An example ofhydrophilic tissue is a 13-15 gsm high wet strength made of cellulosefibers from supplier Havix.

Fastening System

The absorbent article may include a fastening system. The fasteningsystem can be used to provide lateral tensions about the circumferenceof the absorbent article to hold the absorbent article on the wearer asis typical for taped diapers. This fastening system is not necessary fortraining pant article since the waist region of these articles isalready bonded. The fastening system usually comprises a fastener suchas tape tabs (also referred to as adhesive tabs), hook and loopfastening components, interlocking fasteners such as tabs & slots,buckles, buttons, snaps, and/or hermaphroditic fastening components,although any other known fastening means are generally acceptable. Alanding zone is normally provided on the front waist region for thefastener to be releasably attached. Some exemplary surface fasteningsystems are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,848,594, U.S. Pat. No.4,662,875, U.S. Pat. No. 4,846,815, U.S. Pat. No. 4,894,060, U.S. Pat.No. 4,946,527, U.S. Pat. No. 5,151,092 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,221,274issued to Buell. An exemplary interlocking fastening system is disclosedin U.S. Pat. No. 6,432,098. The fastening system may also provide ameans for holding the article in a disposal configuration as disclosedin U.S. Pat. No. 4,963,140 issued to Robertson et al.

The fastening system may also include primary and secondary fasteningsystems, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,699,622 to reduce shifting ofoverlapped portions or to improve fit as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.5,242,436, U.S. Pat. No. 5,499,978, U.S. Pat. No. 5,507,736, and U.S.Pat. No. 5,591,152.

Back Ears 40 and Front Ears 46

The absorbent article may comprise front ears 46 and back ears 40 as isknown in the art. The ears can be integral part of the chassis, forexample formed from the topsheet and/or backsheet as side panel.Alternatively, as represented on FIG. 1, they may be separate elementsattached by gluing and/or heat embossing or pressure bonding. The backears 40 are advantageously stretchable to facilitate the attachment ofthe adhesive tabs 42 on the landing zone 44 and maintain the tapeddiapers in place around the wearer's waist. The back ears 40 may also beelastic or extensible to provide a more comfortable and contouring fitby initially conformably fitting the absorbent article to the wearer andsustaining this fit throughout the time of wear well past when absorbentarticle has been loaded with exudates since the elasticized ears allowthe sides of the absorbent article to expand and contract.

Elastic Waist Feature

The absorbent article may also comprise at least one elastic waistfeature (not represented) that helps to provide improved fit andcontainment. The elastic waist feature is generally intended toelastically expand and contract to dynamically fit the wearer's waist.The elastic waist feature preferably extends at least longitudinallyoutwardly from at least one waist edge of the absorbent core 20 andgenerally forms at least a portion of the end edge of the absorbentarticle. Disposable diapers can be constructed so as to have two elasticwaist features, one positioned in the front waist region and onepositioned in the back waist region. The elastic waist feature may beconstructed in a number of different configurations including thosedescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,515,595, U.S. Pat. No. 4,710,189, U.S. Pat.No. 5,151,092 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,221,274.

Relations Between the Layers

Typically, adjacent layers and components will be joined together usingconventional bonding method such as adhesive coating via slot coating orspraying on the whole or part of the surface of the layer, orthermo-bonding, or pressure bonding or combinations thereof. Thisbonding is not represented in the Figures (except for the bonding bybonds 33 between the raised elements of the barrier leg cuffs 30 withthe topsheet 22) for clarity and readability but bonding between thelayers of the article should be considered to be present unlessspecifically excluded. Adhesives may be typically used to improve theadhesion of the different layers, for example between the backsheet andthe core wrap. The glue may be any standard hotmelt glue as known in theart.

If an acquisition layer 52 is present, it may be advantageous that thisacquisition layer is larger than or least as large as the distributionlayer 54 in the longitudinal and/or transversal dimension. In this waythe distribution layer 54 can be deposited on the acquisition layer 52during the manufacturing process before assembling these layers in thefinished article. This simplifies handling, in particular if theacquisition layer is a nonwoven which can be unrolled from a roll ofstock material. The distribution layer may also be deposited directly onthe absorbent core's upper side of the core wrap or another layer of thearticle. Also, an acquisition layer 52 larger than the distributionlayer allows to directly glue the acquisition layer to the storage core(at the larger areas). This can give increased integrity to the articleand better liquid communication.

The absorbent core and in particular its absorbent material depositionarea may advantageously be at least as large and long and advantageouslyat least partially larger and/or longer than theacquisition-distribution system (ADS). This is because the absorbentmaterial in the core can usually more effectively retain fluid andprovide dryness benefits across a larger area than the ADS. Theabsorbent article may have a rectangular SAP layer and a non-rectangular(shaped) ADS. The absorbent article may also have a rectangular(non-shaped) ADS and a rectangular layer of SAP.

The absorbent articles may be made by any conventional methods known inthe art. In particular the articles may be hand-made or industriallyproduced at high speed.

The values indicated herein are measured according to the methodsindicated herein below, unless specified otherwise. All measurements areperformed at 21±2° C. and 50±20% RH, unless specified otherwise. Allsamples should be kept at least 24 hours in these conditions toequilibrate before conducting the tests, unless indicated otherwise. Allmeasurements should be reproduced on at least 4 samples and the averagevalue obtained indicated, unless otherwise indicated.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show partial schematic views of an example embodiment ofa reusable detector device 100 that may be removably attached externallyto a diaper, such as shown in FIG. 4. In this example embodiment, forexample, all electronic components of the detector may be disposedoutside the diaper. The detector device 100 is adapted to detect one ormore color changes in an indicator 120, such as a color change strip122, disposed within the diaper. In this particular embodiment, theindicator 120 changes color directly or indirectly in response topresence and/or absence of a bodily exudate within the diaper.

The color change strip 122, for example, may be disposed in the diapersuch as shown in FIG. 1 generally along a mid-line of the diaper andextend a predetermined distance in the cross-direction of the diaper. Inone particular embodiment, for example, the color change strip 122 isbetween approximately 4 mm and 15 mm wide, such as approximately 10 mmwide, and between approximately 100 and 300 mm long, such asapproximately 100 mm, 150 mm, 200 mm, 250 mm or 300 mm long. Thedimensions of the color change strip, however, are merely exemplary andnot limiting. The color change strip 122 (or other indicator 120), forexample, may include any number of form factors, such as but not limitedto one or more stripes, circles, rectangles, dots, designs (e.g., acharacter or other drawing). The indicator 120 may also be disposed inother locations of the diaper than shown in FIG. 1. Further, where theindicator 120 includes a material (e.g., adhesive, SAP/AGM) thatmigrates within the diaper or fades as the more bodily exudates areintroduced into the diaper, a detection algorithm may maintain a stateof wet/soiled once an initial detection has been made. For example, aratchet or other feature in an algorithm may be used to maintain anindication that bodily exudates have been detected until the diaper hasbeen changed or the detector 100 has been removed from the diaper.

The detector device 100 includes one or more optical (e.g., color)sensors 102 and a light source 104 (e.g., an LED). The optical sensor102 measures one or more light levels from the indicator 120. In oneparticular embodiment, for example, the color sensor measures four lightlevels—clear, red, green and blue—with a sixteen (16) bit resolution.The clear level corresponds to a measure of an overall light intensityand the red, green and blue levels correspond to intensity in therelevant parts of the spectrum from the indicator 120. In thisembodiment, the detector device 100 takes multiple measurements with theoptical sensor 102. In a first operation, the optical sensor 102 is readwithout the light source 104 (e.g., the LED) illuminated to determine abackground light level. Another reading of the color sensor is taken inanother operation with the light source 104 illuminating the colorchange strip 122 of the indicator 120 to measure the clear, red, greenand blue (RGB) light levels. A difference between the two measurementsis obtained in a third operation and represents a color of the colorchange strip 122 of the indicator 120. The clear color level may be usedto normalize the RGB values. Fill levels corresponding to one or moreintermediate states of the indicator 120 may also be determined, such asfrom the hue, saturation and brightness (HSB) values in combination withor instead of the RGB values.

The optical sensor 102 may be spaced from the light source 104 so thatdirect light from the light source 104 is reduced or eliminated at theoptical sensor 102. Similarly, too large a spacing between the opticalsensor 102 and the light source 104 may reduce the signal strength atthe optical sensor 102. In one embodiment, for example, the opticalsensor 102 may be spaced at least about 5 mm from the light source 104.In another embodiment, the optical sensor may be spaced at least about 8mm from the light source 104, at least about 10 mm from the light source104, between approximately 5 and 20 mm from the light source 104, andbetween approximately 10 to 15 mm from the light source 104.

In addition to spacing between the optical sensor 102 and the lightsource 104, other factors may also affect light level measurements ofthe optical sensor 102. For example, temperature, location of thedetector device 100 on the diaper, the type, material and color of aconnector (e.g., adhesive, tape, hook and loop, strap and othermaterials) disposed between the detector device 100 and the indicator120 disposed within the diaper, orientation of the detector device 100relative to the indicator 120, orientation of transmit and receivewindows of the detector device 100 and the diaper, force of applicationof the detector device 100 against the diaper (e.g., may affect thedistance between the optical sensor 102 and light source 104 of thedetector device 100 and the indicator 120 of the diaper in use), ambientlight, placement of an attachment zone on the diaper for coupling to thedetector device 100 and placement of the detector device 100 relative tothe indicator 120 of the diaper (e.g., in a cross-direction) such thatthe optical sensor 102 detects other components of the diaper disposednear the indicator 120.

In one embodiment, for example, the color change strip 122 changes colorin response to a change in pH within the diaper. Swelling of SuperAbsorbent Polymers (SAP)/Absorbent Gelling Materials (AGM) within thediaper changes the pH of the environment within the diaper. In responseto a change in pH, the color change strip 122 changes in color. Thecolor change strip 122, for example, may comprise a pH sensitive glue,such as H9588 glue that is commercially available from Bostik. While ahuman eye may only be able to distinguish general changes in color, suchas a transition from yellow (dry) to blue (wet), an electronic colorsensor such as a photodiode can detect intermediate colors as theindicator transitions from a first state to a second state.

Although a pH sensitive color change strip 122 is discussed with respectto an example embodiment, the indicator 120 is not so limited. Rather,the indicator 120 may include any indicator that changes color or otherappearance directly or indirectly related to the presence or absence ofbodily exudates within the diaper. For example, color change materialsthat change from no color to one or more colors, from one or more colorsto no colors, change colors in other color ranges than the pH sensitiveadhesive described herein, materials that change color or appearancebased on factors other than pH changes, such as but not limited to,temperature, wetness, odor, enzymes, organic components, inorganiccomponents (e.g., salt level), colored SAP/AGM, mechanical forces (e.g.,strain, stretch) or the like.

As discussed with respect to FIG. 4 above, the detector device 100, mayinclude one or more user signal devices, which may include an audioand/or visual indicator such as but not limited to one or more LEDs,LCDs, display screens, lights, speakers or other indicators, that may beused to indicate the presence and/or absence of bodily exudates detectedwithin the diaper.

The detector device 100 may further include a communication module 106adapted to transmit data from the detector device 100 to a remote device130, such as for storage and/or presentation to a user. Thecommunication module 106, for example, may include a Bluetoothcommunication module, a BTLE communication module, a mesh communicationmodule (e.g., IEEE 802.15.4), a WiFi communication module (e.g., IEEE802.15.11), a communication module incorporating all or any portion ofIEEE 802 or similar communication standards, an RFID module, a 3G or 4Gcommunication module, a Backscatter communication module, a lightcommunication module, a sound communication module, a harvestingprotocol communication module (e.g., a metadata harvesting protocolcommunication module. Other communications protocols or combinations ofcommunications protocols (e.g., a Bluetooth/Mesh combined protocol) andmechanisms may also be used.

In one embodiment, for example, a smartphone, tablet, computer or otherremote device may be used to receive information from the detectordevice 100, determine one or more state of the diaper (e.g., presence orabsence of one or more bodily exudates) and display information relatedto the state of the diaper to a user. The remote device may be in directcommunication with the detector device and/or be communicatively coupledwith detector device (or via an intermediate device) via one or morecomputer networks, such as the Internet.

FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of an example implementation of a detectordevice 200 adapted for removably coupling with one or more diapers. Inthis particular embodiment, the detector device 200 includes a colorsensor 202, an LED light source 204, a low energy Bluetooth (BTLE)communication module 206 and one or more batteries 208. The batteries208, for example, may include one or more silver oxide batteries, nickelcadmium batteries, lithium batteries, alkaline batteries, capacitors orother energy storage devices. The batteries 208 may be disposable orrechargeable and provide power to the other components of the detectordevice 200. In one embodiment, the detector device may further includeone or more processors and memory storage for providing processing onthe detector device 200.

The communications module 206, for example, may be limited in powerand/or duration of transmission to reduce electromagnetic (EM) energytransmitted in close proximity to a wearer of the diaper. The BTLEmodule 206, for example, may be operated at approximately 2 mW forapproximately 0.005% time of the time it is in operation (approximatelyone transmission per minute).

FIG. 7 shows top, bottom and side views of an example embodiment of anexterior of a detector device 300, such as the one shown in FIG. 8. Inthis embodiment, the top side 302 of the device 300 faces outwardly froma diaper in use and includes a decorative design. The bottom side 304 ofthe device includes a window 306 through which a light source, such asthe LED light source 204 shown in FIG. 6, may transmit to an indicatordisposed within the diaper and a color sensor may detect one or morecolors of the indicator. In the particular embodiment shown in FIG. 7,for example, the a plurality of screws 308 or other connectors maysecure the top and bottom components to each other. The side 310includes a notch 312 or other opening to assist a user to separate thetop and bottom sides 302, 304 if the screws 308 are disengaged.

The container of the detector device 300 maybe sized and shaped toprevent the device 300 from being a choking hazard. The container mayfurther include materials such as silicone, Tecaform, Tecanat or othermaterials. The device container may also include one or more mutedcolors to minimize its attractiveness to children.

FIG. 8 shows an example embodiment an attachment zone 400 of a diaperexterior adapted for receiving a detector device, such as the detectordevice shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. The attachment zone 400 includes alanding zone material 402 to improve attachment of the detector deviceto the diaper. The landing zone material 402, for example, may include abrushknit or adhesive or cohesive tape material for mechanically oradhesively coupling the detector device to an outer surface of thediaper. The landing zone material 402 includes a window opening 404 thatcorresponds to the window of the detector device (e.g., window 306 shownin FIG. 7). In one particular implementation, the landing zone material402 may be sized and shaped similarly to the detector device so as tofacilitate placement of the detector device on the outer surface of thediaper. Other landing zone materials are also contemplated. For example,loop, hook, adhesive, strap, button, snap, pocket, magnet, or othermaterials may be used on the diaper and/or detector device.

FIG. 9 shows a flow diagram of example operations that may be used todetect one or more bodily exudates within a diaper. In this embodiment,a detector device includes one or more color sensors for detecting oneor more state of an indicator in a diaper. As described above, a colorsensor of the detector device may determine one or more RGB light levelsor HSB levels of the indicator. A communications device of the detectordevice may provide information based upon a detected color of theindicator to a remote computing device. The remote computing device thenpredicts presence, absence and/or amount of one or more bodily exudatesbased at least in part on the information received from the detectordevice. The remote computing device, for example, may determine a localsaturation (e.g., exudate content quantity) level based upon theinformation received from the detector device.

The remote computing device may further receive additional inputs, suchas but not limited to, weartime, the time the absorbent article wasattached to a wearer, the current time, absorbent article userinformation (e.g., baby demographic information such as sex, age, weightof wearer, whether the wearer is toilet training, degree of wearerincontinence), user input information, caregiver preference information,biometric information of the wearer, ambient sensor information and/orcontextual information, and may use these additional inputs separatelyand/or in combination with the information received from the detectordevice.

In the particular embodiment, shown in FIG. 9, for example, the remotecomputing device determines a predicted diaper fullness level (e.g., anexudate content quantity of the absorbent article such as a liquidand/or solid exudate content quantity) or state based at least in partupon the sensor information received from the detector device andcontextual information (e.g., wear time of the diaper and babydemographic information). Contextual information, for example, may beinput by consumers, retrieved via other sensors or information sources(e.g., thermostats). Sensor data, for example, may include propertychange indications (e.g., digital or analog such as an intensity ofcolor change in a color changing indicator) and wear time. In oneimplementation, an analog detection may be based upon a calibration ofan indicator (e.g., color) for different exudate loads. Wear time, forexample, may be described as the time determined between attachments oftwo fresh diapers.

Further, in one example, exudate fullness may be determined by thefollowing functions:

Urine Fullness=f(Property Change Detection, wear time, wearer data andother data)

Property Change Detection=f(color sensor data).

An exudate content quantity, for example, may be provided to a user toindicate a percent or other indication of diaper fullness or remainingcapacity on the detector device, a remote display or a remote computingdevice. In one particular implementation, for example, the remotedisplay or computing device may display a graphical or numericalrepresentation of exudate content quantity or remaining capacity of theabsorbent article.

Calibration of the color of the indicator to a particular exudate loadquantity, for example, can be determined in a number of manners. Forexample, in one embodiment, different load quantities of an absorbentarticle may be introduced and corresponding colors can then be measured.In another embodiment, for a given load quantity, a color change may bemapped versus time measured during loading to provide a kinetic curvethat represents an exudate load quantity versus time.

FIG. 10 shows example embodiments of spaced optical sensor 602 and lightelement 604 pairs of example embodiments of one or more detectordevices. In these embodiment, various combinations of sensors (e.g.,optical and/or color sensors) are spaced by a distance d from eachother. For purposes of the present disclosure, the measurement d is astraight line measurement from the nearest points of the various opticalsensors 602 and light elements 604. In one example embodiment, forexample, the optical sensor 602 and light element 604 are spaced atleast about 5 mm from each other. In other embodiments, the opticalsensor 602 and light element 604 are spaced at least about 8 mm, atleast about 10 mm, between about 10 mm and about 15 mm and between about10 mm and 20 mm.

FIG. 11 shows another example embodiment of a detector device 620. Inthis embodiment, for example, an optical sensor 622 and a light element624 are spaced from each other a distance d. The detector device 620further includes a communication module 606 and a pair of batteries 608.Screw holes 630 are also provided to allow a cover to be securelyfastened to enclose the components of the detector device. As describedabove, the detector device 620 may further include a window opposing thespaced optical sensor 622 and light element 624.

FIG. 12 shows another example embodiment of a detector device 640comprising a plurality of spaced optical sensor and light pairs 642. Inthis particular embodiment, three pairs of individual spaced opticalsensor and light pairs 642 are disposed in different locations of thedetector device 640 and adapted to detect a change in one or moreoptical properties at different locations of an absorbent article. Thedetector device 640 further comprises a communication module 646 and abattery 648 adapted to provide power to the sensors, lights andcommunication module 646.

FIG. 13 shows yet another example embodiment of a detector device 660comprising a plurality of spaced optical sensor and light pairs 662. Inthis particular embodiment, five pairs of individual spaced opticalsensor and light pairs 662 are disposed in different locations of thedetector device 660 and adapted to detect a change in one or moreoptical properties at different locations of an absorbent article. Thedetector device 660 further comprises a communication module 646 and abattery 668 adapted to provide power to the sensors, lights andcommunication module 646.

FIG. 14 shows still another example embodiment of a detector device 680comprising a plurality of spaced optical sensor and light pairs 682. Inthis particular embodiment, two pairs of individual spaced opticalsensor and light pairs 682 are disposed in different locations of thedetector device 680 and adapted to detect a change in one or moreoptical properties at different locations of an absorbent article. Thedetector device 680 further comprises a communication module 686 and abattery 688 adapted to provide power to the sensors, lights andcommunication module 686.

FIG. 15 shows an example embodiment of an absorbent article 700including a detector device 702 disposed adjacent to the absorbentarticle 700. In this particular embodiment, the detector devicecomprises a plurality of sensors 704. Each of the plurality of sensors704 is spaced from each other and adapted to be disposed oppositedifferent locations 706 of the absorbent article 700. As shown in FIG.15, for example, a first sensor 708 is disposed opposite a front regionof the absorbent article 700 and a second sensor 710 is disposedopposite a crotch region of the absorbent article 700. The first andsecond sensors 708, 710, for example, may be spaced at least about 2 cmfrom each other, at least about 3 cm from each other, at least about 4cm from each other, at least about 5 cm from each other, or at leastabout 10 cm from each other. This allows the sensors to detect propertychanges (e.g., optical/color property changes) in different regions ofthe absorbent article 700. Further, the plurality of sensors 704 maycomprise the same or different types of sensors.

By measuring changes in multiple areas of the absorbent article, thedetector device may be able to provide a better prediction of thepresence and/or quantity of bodily exudates within the absorbent articlegiven the broad distribution of urination patterns, urination loads,dietary habits, wearer movement and activity during wear time, wearerbody dimensions and the like, all of which may have an effect on exudatedistribution within the absorbent article.

FIG. 16 shows another example embodiment of an absorbent article 720including a plurality of property changing indicators 722 disposedwithin the absorbent article 720. In this embodiment, for example, theplurality of property changing indicators 722 comprises at least a firstproperty changing indicator 724 of a first type and a second propertychanging indicator 726 of a second type that is different from the firsttype.

FIG. 17 shows yet another example embodiment of an absorbent article 740including a plurality of property changing indicators 742 disposedwithin the absorbent article 740. In this embodiment, for example, theplurality of property changing indicators 742 comprises at least a firstproperty changing indicator 724 and a second property changing indicator726 of the same type of property changing indicator.

In addition to the sensors described herein adapted to detect one ormore property changes of an indicator, the detector devices may furtherinclude one or more additional sensors adapted to detect otherconditions unrelated to the specific indicators of an absorbent article.For example, the detector device may further include one or moreadditional sensors such as, but not limited to, a temperature sensor, ahumidity sensor, a relative humidity sensor, an electrical sensor, aresistance sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, acontinuity sensor, a chemical sensor, an audio sensor, a microphone, astrain gauge, a material expansion sensor and a vibration sensor.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood asbeing strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead,unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean boththe recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding thatvalue. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean“about 40 mm.”

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for monitoring an absorbent articledesigned to absorb and contain one or more bodily exudates, the systemcomprising: an absorbent article comprising at least one propertychanging indicator, the property changing indicator adapted to change atleast one physical, chemical or biological property in response to thepresence or absence of bodily exudates, wherein the absorbent articleand the indicator form one integral unit; and a detector devicecomprising a first sensor adapted to detect the change of at least onephysical, chemical or biological property of the at least one indicatorat a first location of the absorbent article and a second sensor adaptedto detect the change of at least one physical chemical or biologicalproperty of the at least one indicator at a second location of theabsorbent article spaced from the first location, wherein at least oneof the absorbent article and the detector device is adapted to beassociated together and disassociated from each other, wherein when theabsorbent article and the detector device are associated together thedetector device is adapted to detect the change of property of the atleast one indicator.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein the absorbentarticle comprises a back sheet, a top sheet and an absorbent coredisposed between the back sheet and top sheet.
 3. The system of claim 2wherein the at least one property changing indicator is disposed betweenthe absorbent core and the back sheet of the absorbent article.
 4. Thesystem of claim 1 wherein the first sensor is adapted to detect thechange in property of a first property changing indicator of the atleast one property changing indicator and the second sensor is adaptedto detect the change in property of a second property changingindicator.
 5. The system of claim 1 wherein the first sensor and thesecond sensor are adapted to detect the changes in property at differentlocations of the same property changing indicator of the at least oneproperty changing indicator.
 6. The system of claim 1 wherein the firstlocation and the second location are spaced at least about 2 cm fromeach other.
 7. The system of claim 1 wherein at least one of theproperty changing indicators comprises at least one of the groupconsisting of: a spectral changing indicator, a color changingindicator, a spectral changing adhesive, a color changing adhesive, aspectral changing indicator, a color changing composition, a colorchanging ink, a thermochromic ink, a thermochromic dye, a thermochromicliquid crystalline material and a washable ink.
 8. The system of claim 1wherein the absorbent article comprises a connector selected from atleast one of the group comprising: a pocket, a sleeve, a loop, anadhesive, an adhesive tape, a mechanical fastener, a hook fastener, aloop fastener, a snap, a slot, a hole, a button, a belt, a magnet, amagnetic fastener, a paramagnetic fastener, a cohesive fastener and astrap.
 9. The system of claim 8 wherein the absorbent article connectoris adapted to attach the detector device to the absorbent articlejuxtaposed the property changing indicator of the absorbent article. 10.The system of claim 1 wherein the detector device comprises at least oneof the group comprising: a loop, an adhesive, an adhesive tape, amechanical fastener, a hook fastener, a loop fastener, a snap, a slot, ahole, a button, a belt, a magnet, a magnetic fastener, a paramagneticfastener, a cohesive fastener and a strap.
 11. The system of claim 1wherein the at least one property changing indicator is disposed atleast in a crotch region or the front region of the absorbent article.12. The system of claim 1 wherein at least one of the first sensor andthe second sensor of the detector device comprises at least one of anoptical sensor and a color sensor.
 13. The system of claim 1 wherein thefirst sensor comprises an optical sensor and is paired with at least oneof an LED and an OLED.
 14. The system of claim 13 wherein the opticalsensor comprises at least one of the group comprising: a photodiode,phototransistor, electron tube detector, photosensor, photomultipliertube, phototube, photodetector, opto-semiconductor detector, photodiode,phototransistor, photomultiplier, image sensor, infrared detector,thermal sensor, illuminance sensor, visible light sensor and colorsensor.
 15. The system of claim 1 wherein the absence or presence ofbodily exudates is determined based at least in part upon propertychanges detected via the first and second sensors.
 16. The system ofclaim 15 wherein the absence or presence of bodily exudates isdetermined based at least in part upon the property changes detected andinformation independent from the first and second sensor.
 17. The systemof claim 16 wherein the information independent of the first and secondsensor comprise information selected from the group comprising: weartime of the absorbent article, time the absorbent article was attachedto a wearer, current time, absorbent article wearer information, wearergender, wearer weight, wearer height, wearer age, wearer feeding habits,activity during wear time, wearer or caregiver preferences, biometricinformation, demographic information.
 18. The system of claim 1 whereinan exudate content quantity of the absorbent article is determined basedat least in part upon property changes detected via the first and secondsensors.
 19. The detector of claim 18 wherein the exudate contentquantity comprises a liquid exudate quantity or a solid exudatequantity.
 20. The system of claim 18 wherein the exudate contentquantity is determined based at least in part upon the property changesdetected and information independent from the first and second sensor.21. The system of claim 20 wherein the information independent of thefirst and second sensor comprise information selected from the groupcomprising: wear time of the absorbent article, time the absorbentarticle was attached to a wearer, current time, absorbent article userinformation, wearer weight, wearer height, wearer age, feedinginformation, activity during wear time, user caregiver preferences,biometric information, demographic information.
 22. The detector deviceof claim 1 wherein the detector device further comprises at least onesensor selected from the group comprising: a temperature sensor, ahumidity sensor, a relative humidity sensor, an electrical sensor, aresistance sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, acontinuity sensor, a chemical sensor, an audio sensor, a microphone, astrain gauge, a material expansion sensor and a vibration sensor
 23. Asystem for monitoring an absorbent article designed to absorb andcontain bodily exudates, the system comprising: an absorbent articlecomprising an optical property changing indicator adapted to change atleast one optical property in response to the presence or absence ofbodily exudates, wherein the absorbent article and the indicator formone integral unit; and an optical sensor detector device comprising ahousing, an optical sensor and a light spaced from the optical sensor,the optical sensor adapted to detect the change of the optical propertyof the indicator, wherein at least one of the absorbent article and thedetector device is adapted to be associated together and disassociatedfrom each other, wherein when the absorbent article and the detectordevice are associated together the detector device is adapted to detectthe change of optical property of the indicator.
 24. The system of claim23 wherein the optical sensor comprises a color sensor detector device.25. The system of claim 23 wherein the light comprises at least one ofthe group comprising: an LED and an OLED.
 26. The system of claim 25wherein the optical sensor comprises at least one of the groupcomprising: a photodiode, phototransistor, electron tube detector,photosensor, photomultiplier tube, phototube, photodetector,opto-semiconductor detector, photodiode, phototransistor,photomultiplier, image sensor, infrared detector, thermal sensor,illuminance sensor, visible light sensor and color sensor.
 27. Thesystem of claim 23 wherein the light and sensor of the optical sensordetector device are spaced at least about 5 mm apart from each other.28. The system of claim 23 wherein the light and sensor of the opticalsensor detector device are spaced between about 10 mm and about 15 mmfrom each other.
 29. The system of claim 23 wherein the optical propertychanging indicator comprises a chemical substance which induces a colorchange when at least one bodily exudate is present.
 30. The system ofclaim 23 wherein the optical property changing indicator comprises apH-sensitive composition.
 31. The system of claim 23 wherein theabsorbent article comprises a connector selected from at least one ofthe group comprising: a pocket, a sleeve, a loop, an adhesive, anadhesive tape, a mechanical fastener, a hook fastener, a loop fastener,a snap, a slot, a hole, a button, a belt, a magnet, a magnetic fastener,a paramagnetic fastener, a cohesive fastener and a strap.
 32. The systemof claim 31 wherein the absorbent article connector is adapted to attachthe detector device to the absorbent article juxtaposed the propertychanging indicator of the absorbent article.
 33. The system of claim 23wherein the detector device comprises at least one of the groupcomprising: a loop, an adhesive, an adhesive tape, a mechanicalfastener, a hook fastener, a loop fastener, a snap, a slot, a hole, abutton, a belt, a magnet, a magnetic fastener, a paramagnetic fastener,a cohesive fastener and a strap.
 34. The system of claim 23 wherein theproperty changing indicator is disposed in at least one of a crotchregion or a front region of the absorbent article.
 35. The system ofclaim 23 wherein the absorbent article comprises a least a first layerof material and a second layer of material that define a pocket formedbetween the first layer of material and the second layer of material.36. The system of claim 23 wherein the detector device can provideinformation to a display element.
 37. The system of claim 36 wherein thedisplay element is provided in a separate unit.
 38. The system of claim23 wherein the absorbent article comprises a topsheet facing the wearer,a backsheet, generally co-extensive with the topsheet and facing awayfrom the wearer and an absorbent core, encased between the topsheet andthe backsheet and wherein the optical property changing indicator isdisposed between the backsheet and the core.
 39. The system of claim 23wherein the optical property changing indicator is attached to abacksheet of the absorbent article.
 40. The system of claim 23 whereinthe absorbent article comprises a topsheet facing the wearer, abacksheet, generally co-extensive with the topsheet and facing away fromthe wearer and an absorbent core, encased between the topsheet and thebacksheet, the backsheet comprises two layers, an inner backsheet layerand an outer backsheet layer, and the optical property changingindicator is disposed between the core and the inner backsheet layer.41. The system of claim 23 wherein the absence or presence of bodilyexudates is determined based at least in part upon an optical propertychange detected via the optical sensor.
 42. The system of claim 41wherein the absence or presence of bodily exudates is determined basedat least in part upon the optical property change detected andinformation independent from the optical sensor.
 43. The system of claim42 wherein the information independent of the first and second sensorcomprise information selected from the group comprising: wear time ofthe absorbent article, time the absorbent article was attached to awearer, current time, absorbent article user information, wearer weight,wearer height, wearer age, feeding information, activity during weartime, user caregiver preferences, biometric information, demographicinformation.
 44. The system of claim 23 wherein an exudate contentquantity of the absorbent article is determined based at least in partupon the optical property change detected via the optical sensor. 45.The detector of claim 44 wherein the exudate content quantity comprisesa liquid exudate quantity or a solid exudate quantity.
 46. The system ofclaim 44 wherein the exudate content quantity is determined based atleast in part upon the optical property change detected and informationindependent from the optical sensor.
 47. The system of claim 46 whereinthe information independent of the first and second sensor compriseinformation selected from the group comprising: wear time of theabsorbent article, time the absorbent article was attached to a wearer,current time, absorbent article user information, wearer weight, wearerheight, wearer age, feeding information, activity during wear time, usercaregiver preferences, biometric information, demographic information.48. The system of claim 23 wherein the optical sensor is adapted todetect graduated optical property changes of the absorbent article. 49.The system of claim 23 wherein an exudate content quantity of theabsorbent article is determined based at least in part upon detectedgraduated optical property changes of the absorbent article.
 50. Thesystem of claim 23 wherein the detector device comprises a communicationmodule selected from at least one of the group comprising: a Bluetoothcommunication module, a BTLE communication module, a mesh communicationmodule, a WiFi communication module, a communication moduleincorporating one or more protocols defined in IEEE 802, an RFID module,a 3G communication module, a 4G communication module, a Backscattercommunication module, a light communication module, a soundcommunication module, and a harvesting protocol communication module 51.An absorbent article comprising: a back sheet; a top sheet; an absorbentcore disposed between the back sheet and top sheet; and an opticalproperty changing indicator disposed within the absorbent article andadapted to change an optical property of the optical property changingindicator in response to one or more bodily exudates within theabsorbent article; and a connector adapted to removably connect adetector device with the absorbent article, wherein the connector isdisposed juxtaposed the optical property changing indicator.
 52. Theabsorbent article of claim 51 wherein the connector comprises at leastone of the group comprising: a pocket, a sleeve, a loop, a non-wovenbacksheet having a basis weight of at least 15 gsm, a non-wovenbacksheet having a basis weight between about 20 and about 25 gsm, anadhesive, an adhesive tape, a mechanical fastener, a hook fastener, aloop fastener, a snap, a slot, a hole, a button and a strap.
 53. Theabsorbent article of claim 51 wherein the absorbent article furthercomprises a property changing indicator disposed in the absorbentarticle and spaced from the optical property indicator, the propertychanging indicator adapted to change a physical, chemical or biologicalproperty of the property changing indicator in response to the presenceor absence of one or more bodily exudates.
 54. The absorbent article ofclaim 53 wherein the property changing indicator comprises at least oneof the group comprising: a second optical property changing indicator, acolor changing optical indicator, an electrical property changingindicator, an electromagnetic property changing indicator, a capacitancechanging indicator and a resistance changing indicator.
 55. Theabsorbent article of claim 51 wherein the absorbent article comprises anindicia positioned to indicate a desired location of a detector device.56. The absorbent article of claim 55 wherein the indicia comprises atleast one magnetic or paramagnetic element.
 57. A detector devicecomprising: a housing; a light; an optical sensor adapted to detect achange in at least one of optical property of an absorbent article, theoptical sensor spaced from the light; a communication module adapted toprovide an indication that a change in property of an indicator of anabsorbent article has been detected; at least one battery adapted toprovide power to the sensor; and a connector adapted to removablyconnect the detector device with an absorbent article.
 58. The detectordevice of claim 57 wherein the at least one battery comprises at leastone silver oxide battery.
 59. The detector device of claim 57 whereinthe housing has a first dimension of at least about one inch and asecond dimension of at least about two inches.
 60. The detector deviceof claim 57 wherein the communication module comprises at least one ofthe group comprising: a Bluetooth communication module, a BTLEcommunication module, a mesh communication module, a WiFi communicationmodule, a communication module incorporating one or more protocolsdefined in IEEE 802, an RFID module, a 3G communication module, a 4Gcommunication module, a Backscatter communication module, a lightcommunication module, a sound communication module, and a harvestingprotocol communication module.
 61. The detector device of claim 57wherein the light comprises at least one of the group comprising: alight emitting diode (LED), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), anincandescent light bulb, a thermionic light emitter, a luminescencelight emitter, a fluorescence light emitter, a chemilluminescence lightemitter, and an electroluminescence light emitter.
 62. The detectordevice of claim 57 wherein the optical sensor comprises at least one ofthe group comprising: a photodiode, phototransistor, electron tubedetector, photosensor, photomultiplier tube, phototube, photodetector,opto-semiconductor detector, photodiode, phototransistor,photomultiplier, image sensor, infrared detector, thermal sensor,illuminance sensor, visible light sensor and color sensor.
 63. Thedetector device of claim 57 wherein the detector device furthercomprises at least one sensor selected from the group comprising: atemperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a relative humidity sensor, anelectrical sensor, a resistance sensor, a capacitive sensor, aninductive sensor, a continuity sensor, a chemical sensor, an audiosensor, a microphone, a strain gauge, a material expansion sensor and avibration sensor.
 64. The detector device of claim 57 wherein the lightis adapted to provide intermittent light.
 65. The detector device ofclaim 57 wherein the detector device comprises a second sensor adaptedto detect a position indicia of an absorbent article.
 66. The detectordevice of claim 65 wherein a detection of the position indicia indicatesthat the detector device is positioned such that the sensor is alignedwith the indicator of the absorbent article.
 67. A method of monitoringan absorbent article, the method comprising: detecting an absence orpresence of a bodily exudate in an absorbent article; altering at leastone physical, chemical or biological property of an indicator in thediaper in response to a detection of the absence or presence of thebodily exudate in the absorbent article; detecting the change in the atleast one physical, chemical or biological property of the indicator viaa detector device comprising a spaced sensor and light pair.